When you use Windex or other cleaners that are corrosive, acidic, or abrasive on granite, you risk damaging the seal that protects the stone. Without the sealant, granite countertops are prone to absorbing liquids, which can cause the stone to harbor bacteria. Using Windex once on your granite countertops might not seem like it's doing much harm, but this can take away the beautiful shine and wear away the sealant, leaving you with dull, unprotected countertops. With the seal broken, your granite is more prone to absorbing liquids and staining.

Continual use of harsh cleaners like Windex may even cause small holes or cracks, known as pitting, to form in your stone. Though Windex is basic rather than acidic like other cleaners that are harmful to granite, the ammonium hydroxide it contains is meant to cut through grease and dirt, and it will do the same to your countertop's seal.

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Using This Popular Cleaner On Granite Countertops Is A Big Mistake - House Digest

One key advantage of buying new countertops online is the convenience. Online platforms provide a wide variety of options, so you can browse and compare styles and prices without leaving the house. Some make it easy to plan the whole process out on their website, like Lowe's which allows you to order custom designs based on your measurements and schedule an installation. To ensure you are getting a high-quality product, carefully check the product descriptions, photos, and reviews. For custom laminate countertops head toHome Depot, which has a range of designs starting at $24.30/square foot. The customer reviews describe the patterns and what the experience was like with the installers. Warranty information and return policies are some other things you need to know.

Still, there's only so much you can know about a product before inspecting it physically. While online platforms provide detailed information, variations in color, texture, or quality may be tough to gauge virtually. This is especially challenging when dealing with unique materials. For example, one of the mistakes everyone makes with marble countertops is buying them online because all slabs are different and need to be viewed in person. Another potential drawback with buying new countertops online is the shipping process, which has the potential risk of damage during transit. You could probably receive a refund or replacement based on this but it would stall your renovation.

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Buying New Countertops Online: Good Idea Or Renovation Mistake? - House Digest

The appeal of Jasmine Roth's kitchen design comes from variation. Though it is common for all materials to match in a kitchen, Roth sees the beauty in mixed materials. She chose a leather-finished quartzite for the perimeter counters. The leather finish is not just attractive; it's practical, too. It does not scratch or stain like other quartz or quartzite finishes. The black porcelain of the island is smooth and mimics a more traditional countertop. She told the homeowners that it's a sturdy surface to write or draw on, since the island is also flanked by chairs.

Roth's use of contrasting colors makes this renovation pop. The combination of black and white is chic and eye-catching."I'm super excited because we have two different materials. We have that leather-finished quartzite that's going on all the perimeters, and then we also have, to kind of offset that, the really smooth, dark porcelain that's going to be on the island," Roth said (via Realtor).

Her trick shows you needn't have the finest marble for a glamorous kitchen. That is why we predict mixed-material and dual-tone countertops will become a design trend in 2024. It is a unique approach to styling a room that has seen little innovation over the past few years.

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HGTV's Jasmine Roth Introduces A Countertop Trend That's Bound To Take Over In 2024 - House Digest

Its easy to play with the styling of your interior and stay aligned with the latest design trends. Add new accessories, swap out soft furnishings, bring in a new piece of furniture, or repaint some walls. But there are some areas of your home which once designed will prove trickier to change. Your kitchen, for instance, is a big investment, and once in place, most of us would rather it stayed put for a good while.

If you want your kitchen to look as good in a few years time as it does now, youll need to steer clear of passing trends, and opt for timeless combinations that you wont get bored of because theyll always look good. With a myriad of cabinet colors and countertop materials to choose from, it can all get confusing and overwhelming, so I spoke to interior designers who create beautiful, timeless kitchens, and asked them to share their go-to combinations that youll be sure to love now, and for a very long time to come.

When looking to create a timeless aesthetic, neutral colors and natural wood will always be relied on. Theyre easy on the eye and prove a solid base to hold layering trends around. But all those color lovers out there neednt worry. The experts shared that bold and colorful can have a timeless appeal too. The secret is in choosing the correct combinations and tones. So here are the 5 modern kitchen ideas for cabinet and countertop pairings designers swear by, to help you create a space you'll always love.

(Image credit: Caesarstone)

One of the most classic kitchen color combinations of all time, a light cabinet paired with a dark countertop will always look elevated. The secret is in the balance. Keep the dark as an accent on your countertops and paint the cabinets light. Like any true classic, this look stays relevant, and designers keep coming back to it time and time again. Dark worktops are a rising trend in kitchen design, CaesarstonesHead of Design, Mor Krisher, tells me.

Im a big fan of dark countertops paired with pale cabinetry and metallic accents like brass, copper or steel taps and handles, adds the expert. If in doubt on which dark and which light colors to pick, stick to black for your countertops and an off-white for your cabinets. The classic combination is a staple of elegance in design and a safe bet for a luxurious look as long as you make sure the materials you use are of good quality (both black and white show off any scratches or marks easily, so think durability).

Pairing a dark surface with light cabinetry and flooring will help to keep the space feeling open and neutral, says Mor. This is especially beneficial if you want to create a cozy atmosphere, but your kitchen isnt vast in size, he adds. If your kitchen is on the smaller side, using a light color is a great way to create the illusion of space, while the darker accent will give a grounding feel and add interest too. Keep the combination modern and stick to off-whites for your cabinets as opposed to brilliant whites. These will look softer next to your dark countertops.

(Image credit: Erick Kruk. Design: Cdot Design Studio)

Oak is one of the most popular materials for a kitchen due to its durability, natural look, and affordability compared to other types of wood. With the right maintenance it will last for years, making it a great investment, while the natural look has a relaxed, timeless appeal.

Natural oak cabinets with light stone countertops are a classic that will never go out of style, Nicole Levin of Barnes Vanze Architects tells me. When choosing your countertops, think natural tones that wont clash with your cabinets, like beige, brown, sand or stone grey. Granite or quartz are great countertop material choices that look modern now and will stay relevant in time too, while a marble surface with veining in warm tones will always look impressive and elevate the look of any kitchen.

(Image credit: Old Brand New. Design by Dabito)

Our love for green isnt going anywhere. Derived from nature, its easy to live with, and easy to pair with other colors too. Its no wonder green kitchens are having a moment. And of all the greens that have come and gone with the passing of trends, sage is a shade so easy on the eye and natural, it feels like a breath of fresh air in a home.

A green kitchen is a bold choice, but it can have undeniable appeal especially when combined with burnished brass hardware and sleek white worktops. For the look to stay timeless, make sure the green you pick is as nature inspired as possible, steering clear from anything too artificial. Interior designer Ami McKay agrees and thinks that 'earthy green painted cabinets look great when paired with light quartz countertops'.

(Image credit: Brent Lukey. Design: Minett Studio Architecture & Design)

Right up there with green on our list of favourite timeless kitchen cabinet colors is dark blue, or navy. Contrary to what people often think, dark kitchens arent always sombre or austere, says Caesarstones expert, Mor.

While greens look fresh and natural, a dark blue is still a bold choice, but with a more classic presence, creating an expensive, more imposing look. If you love bold colours, your kitchen could be the perfect place to employ a dramatic navy tone, says Tom. Think dark and dramatic tones of blue for your cabinets. The point of this color is to create a strong look, so stay away from pastel shades that arent as visually striking.

Add an element of contrast to your dark kitchen with light countertops. White and cream accents, such as a sleek white marble-look worktop, can help to create a modern and fresh look and a deep blue kitchen is a great way to uplift more rustic elements in the room, such as a brick feature wall, adding to a striking design effect.

(Image credit: Aaron Leitz. Design: Lisa Staton)

White oak has become very popular with the rise of Scandi inspired aesthetic, and its no surprise. It's a shortcut to a minimalist kitchen while keeping its warmth, and its neutral character makes it very easy to live with. Perfect for creating kitchen design schemes that feel relaxing and welcoming, a white oak material for your cupboards looks even better when flat sawn, a cutting technique which keeps the woods unique arch shaped grain.

Interior designer Ami thinks natural white oak flat sawn cabinets and black soapstone countertops make a beautifully timeless pairing while keeping that contemporary edge. Take the black throughout your kitchen as an accent, and add black light fittings, or hardware, for a cohesive scheme.

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A black faucet will make light oak cabinets and dark countertops look modern.

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Dark blue kitchen cabinets have a timeless look when paired with light countertops.

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5 Timeless Kitchen Cabinet and Countertop Combinations These Color Pairings Will Always Work - LivingEtc

For most of us, the kitchen truly is the heart of the home. No longer a space solely used for cooking, its become the room where that family gathers, kids do homework, and where the island countertop becomes a work from home desk. With so many activities taking place in one space, creating a lighting plan that caters to every need is not the most straightforward task.

A balance of function and form is needed. Lights that are task focused, to offer clear visibility when cooking and directional lights that can be controlled to illuminate dark countertop corners are a priority, but so is the scale and proportion of the light fitting within the space. Being able to change the intensity of the light throughout the day is equally important.

No matter what activity's underway in the kitchen, from chopping vegetables or making drinks to working from home, you'll need the right type of kitchen lighting over your countertops. Interior designers share the key factors you need to consider to light yours correctly.

(Image credit: Original BTC)

In a kitchen, lighting that is multi-functional is key. Consider the ways in which you use the space and ensure you have the necessary light options to enable it all. This will mean creating a balance of both overhead and task lighting. Use a combination of overhead lighting and task lighting, such as under cabinet lights to brighten up the entire space and also provide targeted illumination where it's most needed, advise lighting experts Niki Wright and Scarlett Hampton. Wall lights and picture lighting can also help to save worktop space, they add.

Bear in mind that you will need different lighting options for your cabinet kitchen countertops and your island worktop. For an island specifically, you want to make sure you have one large chandelier, or 2-3 pendants, explains interior designer Kristen Harrison. For other countertop areas, like near the stove, or sink, I love using downlighting in the way of wall sconces. Creating levels of light gives you, not only a well-lit area, but also a lot of visual interest, she says.

(Image credit: Joshua McHugh)

They might not be the go-to option for the living or bedroom areas of your home, but in utility-focused spaces theyre one of the most useful options to give you a good amount of light over your worktop areas.

The most common way to light kitchen countertops is by using recessed lighting, or can lights, as theyre commonly known, explains interior designer Liz Potarazu, adding that directional recessed lighting is even better to illuminate even those hidden corners of your countertops. More modern installations may include directional recessed lighting, whereby you can point your light at a specific area, easily illuminating those hard-to-reach corners, she says.

(Image credit: Anna Stathaki c/o Finkernagel Ross)

While recessed lights are great to ensure a good amount of light in the whole space, and illuminate the overall area of your countertops, its the under-cabinet lighting that is the most targeted, and proves most useful when good visibility is key. Under-cabinet lighting is a sleek and effective way to illuminate your space. These lights can even be used in lieu of overhead lighting, creating an ambient atmosphere, Liz tells me.

Even illumination over a work surface is ideal, so under cabinet lighting beneath upper cabinets or floating shelves is the best task lighting at counters, adds residential architect Katherine S. White. For under-cabinet lighting, if theres an easy way to conceal the fixture, i.e. a lip at the front of your upper cabinet, then warm LED lighting tape is easiest. If you have no way to conceal the lights, small LED wafer lights sometimes called puck lights look best. Make sure you use 3000k color temperature lights or less to avoid a sterile, laboratory feel, she explains.

(Image credit: David Tsay)

When choosing the right lights to illuminate your countertops, think about the overall size of your kitchen and cabinets. Oversized lighting fixtures can provide ample illumination and make a bold design statement, but they may not be suitable for smaller kitchens or those with a more traditional style, Niki and Scarlett tell me. 'It's important to consider the scale of the lighting fixture relative to the space and other design elements in the kitchen to ensure it complements the overall aesthetic, add the experts.

If you have a kitchen island, pendant lighting is the most common way to light its worktop area, and a great way to add style to the space. Pendant lights can be individual hanging lights or one linear pendant with multiple light bulbs, explains Liz. If your kitchen is small but you still want a more designed feel, flush mount lighting above the island will do the trick. Lastly, track lighting is still common in kitchens today, particularly in more modern-style homes, she advises.

Theres a lot to think about when creating your kitchen lighting plan, and with so many different types of lights needed, designers agree theres one mistake thats very easy to make. The worst thing you can do with your lighting in the kitchen is to create shadows. Its a place where you use sharp knives and need exact measurements, so its important for it to be well lit, warns Kristen. Lighting is an absolute must, and selecting the proper lighting can be the difference in a space appearing too dim, or unbalanced, adds interior designer Breegan Jane.

With the myriad types of lights we need in a kitchen, the solution to avoiding shadows is in the good planning of your overall lighting scheme. A lot of people like a mix of recessed lighting, pendants, sconces, and under-cabinet lighting. I really try to methodically plan where Im going to place my fixtures based on how someone moves throughout their kitchen, shares Kristen, emphasizing the importance of firstly assessing in detail how the space will be used, and then selecting the optimal lights to enable all the tasks that will be carried out in the room.

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Under cabinet lighting is best for even illumination of all the hidden corners of your countertops.

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If you have an island in your kitchen use 2-3 pendant lights to illuminate it and to create a designed look.

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Kitchen countertops are equally functional and decorative. A beautiful countertop is a joy to beholdand to use, which makes your choice of material pretty important. Granite remains one of the most popular choices for kitchen countertops for a lot of good reasons: Its durable, beautiful, and easy to keep clean (and not so hard to repair, either). But there is one potential downside to granite countertopsmaintenance.

Granite seems like a solid hunk of impenetrable material, but its actually very penetrable: Granite is a relatively porous stone, and it absorbs water and other liquids easily. That can lead to staining and damage over time, shortening the useful lifespan of your countertops. As a result, most granite counters have to be sealed in some way to prevent those liquids from penetrating. It isnt difficult or expensive, but if you seal an already-sealed countertop youll do more harm than goodit can result in a hazy film that you wont be able to get rid of. So if youre concerned about properly maintaining your granite countertops, how can you tell when they need to be resealed?

Depending on where your granite countertop was bought, who installed it, and the specific type of granite used, your countertops may have been pre-sealed. If you bought them new, you can check the paperwork associated with themmany granite countertops come pre-sealed with a specific guarantee of 10-20 years before the seal will fail you. If thats the case, your countertops probably dont need sealing until after that has expired, at the very earliest. Realistically, though, you probably didn't keep those papers.

If you inherited your countertops or theyre a bit older, one clear sign that they need to be sealed is frequent staining. Its true that even a properly sealed countertop will stain if you leave something like red wine or pizza sauce sitting on it for a long time, but if your counters are easily stained regularly, you probably need to seal them (after a proper cleaning). Just let the water fully evaporate before you do the workthe dark water stain should fade in a day or so.

If youre not sure, there's a simple test you can try. Pour about a quarter cup of water on the counter and track how long it takes to be absorbed. Anything less than half an hour means you should consider sealing your counters sooner rather than later. If the water just soaks right in immediately, you should reseal it as soon as you reasonably can. And if the water never absorbs and just sits there forever, the seal is in great shape and you can leave it be, though you should repeat the test annually. Its also a good idea to perform this test in a few different spots.

You can also perform this test with a small amount of oil (a few drops should be sufficient), just be sure to choose a spot where a stain wont be noticeable. If the oil soaks in within 15 minutes, your countertops need sealing.

The good news is, sealing a granite countertop isnt difficult. After cleaning, just pick up a bottle of high-quality sealant and apply according to instructions. Generally speaking, this is just like cleaning your countersyou spray on the sealer, wipe it off, and then buff your counter with a dry cloth. If your countertops were very porous in your test, repeat the sealing process once or twice more for a good seal. After sealing and following instructions for dry times, repeat the water test to make sure that youve taken care of the problem. Granite countertops dont need much maintenanceas long as you keep them properly sealed.

And stop leaving your sticky wine glasses and pizza boxes lying around.

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How to Tell When Your Granite Countertop Needs to Be Resealed - Lifehacker

Aside from the risks, using your countertop as a bottle opener is a relatively straightforward process, which you can master with a bit of practice and finesse. First and foremost, you need to check that your countercomes to a sharp edgeso that the bottle cap can catch on the corner. Then, situate the edge under the lip of the cap, and you're ready to start smacking.

Once your bottle is in position, make sure that you have a good grasp on its body. You wouldn't want to drop your drink, and a good grip will improve your leverage with the countertop. Then, it's simply a matter of firmly hitting the top of the bottle with the palm of your hand. Your smack should separate the bottle from its cap, and voil you have yourself an open drink. However, before you start routinely opening your bottles on the countertop, you should be aware of some potential pitfalls.

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You Can Use Your Countertop To Open Bottles, But Be Careful - Daily Meal

I keep seeing lava stone countertops everywhere and I'm obsessed with the look. Its smooth surface has a subtle sheen and the nature of the material lends itself to being cut and molded to whatever shape you want. It's the perfect countertop material, not least because it's also a great way to bring natural stone to your kitchen, but lava stone offers a huge variety of colors and varying palettes you can play around with in the kitchen.

Marble and granite have long reined as king of the kitchen, with its beautiful veining bringing luxury to the space, but its environmental credentials leave a void for new material to take the kitchen crown. I think lava stone might just be it. Convinced? We speak to the designers to find out the merits and drawbacks of this interior design trend.

(Image credit: Hauvette Madani)

So what exactly is lava stone, well it's pretty much exactly how it sounds. It is extracted from natural volcanic rocks, mostly in continental Europe. Lava stone's geographical home means it's not quite reached the States yet, but we think it's on the up and predict it will be crossing the pond soon.

Lava is finished with an enamel glaze and fired at high heat for that characteristically smooth finish, available in a kaleidoscope of beautiful colors, perfect for any style of modern kitchen.In the kiln, the glazing fuses with the natural stone, creating little tonality differences according to the noble metals inside the natural stone,' says Roberta Cederholm of lava stone specialists, Made a Mano. 'So no two tabletops are the same.'

Their ability to stand such high temperatures stems from the 2,200 degree Fahrenheit climate its used to, so it's super durable when used in the kitchen. The overall look is sleek, with a subtle sheen that helps light bounce around the room.

'Additionally, lava stone requires minimal maintenance and does not need to be sealed, making it a practical choice for those who want a beautiful worktop without the hassle of extensive upkeep,' adds Olga Alexeeva from interior design studio, Black & Milk. 'With proper care, lava stone can last for decades, making it a long-lasting investment for homeowners.'

Outside of the aesthetic, lava stone is also believed to have magical properties, absorbing negative energy and bringing about calmness. They are often used in hot stone massages for this exact reason.

(Image credit: Paul Raeside. Design: K&H)

First up, and important for the kitchen, lava stone is resistant to heat (which doesn't come as much of a surprise given it starts life in a volcano). But it's also resistant to cold and any dramatic temperature changes - so hot pans placed straight on the surface won't change the patina. It's so resiliant that it doesnt scratch either, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't be using chopping boards.

'We only use natural materials in our furniture making and interior design and therefore often choose natural stone,' says Frdric Collette of Copenhagen-based furniture and kitchen makers, Kbenhavns Mbelsnedkeri.

There really arent any drawbacks; it is almost impossible to damage, adds Roberta. 'The glazed lava withstands knives, heat, pots, pans as opposed to most other glazed products that can break.'

Color is a huge factor as to why we are currently loving lava stone. The finish is beautiful and available in all kinds of pops and more subtle tones too, perfect for a colorful kitchen. 'On top of being one of the strongest and most easy-to-maintain natural stone for flooring, tabletops and glazed lava stone can be made in a wide pallet of colors and glaze structures, enabling us more freedom to design sustainable interiors with color,' says Frdric. However, be aware that once it's done, it's done, and you can refinish the material or change the color later down the line.

(Image credit: Made a Mano)

Another huge benefit is that it's sustainable and environmentally friendly. We're all aware of the dwindling resources of marble and granite, but lava stone is naturally occurring, so it's environmentally friendly (whereas marble kitchens involve chipping away at beautiful Italian mountainside).

We also use solar energy for the kilns and collect and recycle the water for the machines that cut the stone too, says Roberta. Apart from the eco-friendly production, the life expectancy of Made a Mano product far surpasses that of most other glazed products, which in itself makes it more sustainable.

(Image credit: Kbenhavns Mbelsnedkeri)

Unfortunately, the major drawback to lava stone is that it comes at a price of around $300 per square foot up to $3,000 per square foot and glazed. It's one of the more expensive kitchen countertop materials, similar to that of marble, mostly because of the shipping costs from Europe.

This means there are only a handful of suppliers who work with lava stone, and so you're paying for the experts who know a thing or two about the glazing process. But if you have the budget between marble and lava stone, you might be more drawn to the latter because of its environmental credentials.

Its top of the table range and neither cheap to make nor to buy,' points out Roberta. 'It should be considered a long-term investment. A Made a Mano tabletop will last you for generations, and we accordingly offer a lifetime guarantee on our products.'

(Image credit: Kobenhavns Mobelsnedkeri)

When it comes to cleaning, you'll be glad to know that water poses no threat to the material, and no matter how hard you scrub, your chosen color won't fade. This is because the lava stone provides a non-porous surface, so you shouldn't be wary of stains or damage from chemicals either.

Really, all you need is your cleaning spray, cloth, and a bit of elbow grease. With proper care, your lava stone countertop can last for decades.

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I'm obsessed with this new kitchen countertop trend - LivingEtc

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MOVE IN READY! 10K Closing cost plus free refrigerator and blinds with use of APPROVED LENDER. Living up to its namesake, The Kingsley plan is regal, exquisite, and elegant. A plan designed to fit even the most royal needs. The covered entry opens to the large flex room and cozy entry way. Always dreamed of a home office, home gym, or even just a quiet place to relax? The flex room gives you the freedom to make those dreams a reality any way you want! The foyer also leads into an open-concept kitchen and great room. The kitchen is complete with a vast island and ample counter space. The great room leads to the master retreat at the rear of the house. The master suite boasts a double vanity, garden tub, and walk-in closet. The 2 other bedrooms are located on the side of the house and share a hallway bathroom. The laundry room is connected to the 2-car garage, creating a perfect space to kick off those muddy shoes before going inside. Lot 10,

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